Fri Dec 19 14:15:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text:
Summary:
The Vigilance and Enforcement Department conducted a three-day statewide inspection of cotton procurement centers and ginning mills in major cotton-growing districts of India. The inspections, carried out in coordination with other departments, aimed to ensure fair pricing for farmers and transparency in the cotton procurement process. Several violations were found, including the use of substandard weighbridges, failure to maintain standard test weights, lack of scientific instruments for quality assessment, and inadequate CCTV data backup. Cases were registered, fines imposed, and cotton samples sent for laboratory analysis. The department is submitting recommendations to the government for upgrading equipment and encourages the public to report irregularities.
News Article:
Statewide Cotton Mill Inspections Uncover Widespread Irregularities
Hyderabad, December 19, 2025 – A three-day statewide inspection of cotton procurement centers and ginning mills conducted by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department has revealed a concerning number of irregularities, potentially impacting farmers and the cotton industry.
The inspections, which took place from December 16-18 across major cotton-growing districts, were carried out in collaboration with the Cotton Corporation of India, the Legal Metrology Department, and the Agriculture Marketing Department. The aim was to ensure farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their cotton and to curb unfair practices in the procurement process.
Inspectors examined over 65 ginning mills and procurement centers, focusing on weighbridge certifications, moisture meters, CCTV systems, fire safety licenses, and the implementation of the Kapas Kisan mobile application.
“We found a range of violations,” said a department spokesperson. “These include the use of unsealed weighbridges, failure to maintain standard test weights, and a worrying lack of modern equipment for assessing cotton quality, such as staple length and micronaire values.”
Cases have been registered under the Legal Metrology Act, with fines levied on mills for weighbridge variations. Cotton samples from multiple locations have been sent to specialized labs for detailed quality analysis. While most mills had CCTV cameras, many lacked sufficient data backup, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
The department is preparing detailed reports with recommendations for equipment upgrades, which will be submitted to the government for further action. The public is urged to report any suspected fraud or misuse of resources related to cotton procurement by calling the toll-free number 14432. The investigation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring a fair and transparent cotton market.
First Piper 